Energy

2:49 pm

Mon October 7, 2013

Kentucky Energy Secretary: We Need A Blend Of Energy Sources

The Secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet said he’s a strong supporter of natural gas development as a source of energy in Kentucky and elsewhere. However, Len Peters said the country will be a lot better off with a blend of options.

“If all we do is move coal-dominated electricity generation to a natural gas electricity generation is not a good way to go," said Peters. "There’s no diversification in that. We have to be able to build coal. We have to be able to build natural gas. Nobody wants to build nuclear these days so we’re moving away from a more balanced set of opportunities.”

Peters testified last week before the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. He said he’ll continue trying to work with the federal EPA on ways to give Kentucky’s coal-fired power plants flexibility in meeting more stringent air quality standards.